Phil Thomas

Remembering Phil..."If you ask me how I want to be remembered, it is as a winner… A winner is somebody who gave his best effort, who has tried the hardest they possibly can—who has utilized every ounce of energy and strength within them to accomplish something. It doesn’t mean they accomplished it or failed, it means they’ve given it their best. That’s a winner." Philip Louis Thomas Remembered These words by one of Phil’s football idols and friend, Walter Peyton speaks to the philosophy of Phil – he believed in winning and taking in life with all the gusto of a champion. As we remember him --do so with smiling hearts --love and laughter-- the timeless gifts he gave that will forever transcend our life on earth. Philip “Phil” Louis Thomas, beloved father of Drew and Candice Thomas, brother of James “Jim” Thomas, Kenneth (Ken) Carruthers, Rosemary Thomas-King and Linda Thomas-Wallace passed away unexpectedly at the home of his sister Linda in Durham, NC the morning of May 22, 2018. A “Celebration of Life will be held June 24, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Ottawa Funeral Home followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall-3: 30 – 5:30pm. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, please direct all contributions to Drew Thomas, P.O. Box 145, Arcadia, SC 29320. Future memorials will be made to Marquette and Ottawa High School Football Clubs. Philip fondly called Phil, was born April 15, 1954 in Ottawa, Illinois to the most loving parents Lucy Cecelia (Mudd) Thomas and Andrew “Andy” James Thomas. Growing up in Ottawa, the Thomas family home was filled with the dynamic spirit of love, family, friends and faith. On any given day, friends and neighbors were always around for a home cooked meal, to play or watch a game or have a jam fest with the family band. At home, music was a fundamental of the family bond and Phil’s instrument, like his dad, was the drum. He loved music and he pursued his love of percussion by playing in the Thomas Family band, listening to music, learning to play “WipeOut” and eventually training and joining the Drum & Bugle Corps during his summer breaks in High school. Phil was driven to achieve whether academically, athletically or in any endeavor. He also demonstrated significant strength and self-determination in his early years. As a husky child, afraid of heights and the flash from a camera- he overcame these fears. Determined to be an athlete, Phil trimmed down in the later years of grade school as he went beyond playing little league baseball to pop warner football and then made the St. Columba basketball team. He didn’t stop there and kept growing and excelling. Entering Marquette High School, he was thrilled to be on the Crusaders. He excelled at football –but most notably it was his foundation of teammates and friendships made during those years that fueled his life that will be remembered most. His love of sports perhaps defined him…a forever fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs. It was football that provided a path to success in sports from high school- and a scholarship to play at Illinois Benedictine (Naperville) that led to a pursuit of playing football professionally. His love for the game may be attributed to his dad’s fame in football and also served as the link to passing this love on to his son Drew. Phil never stopped once off the field– his influence in coaching and mentoring touched hundreds of young promising athletes across the country leaving an imprint on thousands both young and old. Following his High School graduation, Phil attended Illinois Benedictine College—where again he was an integral part of the IBC Football family and majored in Biology/Chemistry. After college Phil took a position as a Chemist at Wesley Jensen Chemicals in Chicago – but left to pursue his interest in playing football. He played for the Chicago Fire—a semi pro football team and later made it to his dream team—the Chicago Bears. His love of football continued, he had made friends with many of the Bears and participated in several NFL Players Association Activities way beyond his years on the gridiron. Phil’s personality was more suited for Public Relations than for a laboratory and he took that skill and perfected it-at some of the largest Marketing firms in Chicago and later in California. During his early years in Chicago, Phil met Patricia Baylock and moved to California where they welcomed in a precious baby girl, Candice. Several years later after moving back to Chicago Phil met and married the love of his life Karen Iva Miller Thomas. However, a career changer opportunity called and Karen and Phil moved to Southern CA and within a few years, Drew was born. While football dominated – it was his family that was the most important aspect of his life. His daughter Candice, whom he fondly called “peanut” and his son Drew were the light of his life--the sparkle in his eye and soul of his heart. As Candice grew, she excelled academically; she was also very talented in theater and performing arts, which made for a very proud papa. As Drew grew, he became quite the athlete; starring in tennis, football and track which ensured that Phil would always remain very involved in athletics. Phil was always seen as the proverbial motivator and coach not just for his son but also for many other young children. Phil will be remembered fondly not just for the love of the game, but for the imprint he left on it. For the 10+ years that Phil was a volunteer coach, he was always going above and beyond to treat all of his players as if they were his own children. Marquette, Agoura Hills and Ottawa Athletics provided the platform for Phil to provide transformational opportunities. If you saw him walking along the sidelines you would see his commitment and passion for the game and the true motivator he was for the team. In 2004, Phil moved his family back to Ottawa. His wife had cancer and being back close to her family and living in his hometown, where he felt Drew now high school age would continue to thrive, was the optimal choice. Once again, Phil became the icon on the sidelines, in practice and on the field, offering his best to the coaches and the players. This was his calling…his happiness…his heaven. After an ongoing battle, he lost his wife of 21 years, which led to an even further dedication to his children, family and close friends. Phil inspired students all throughout his life and after his wife passed away, the effort continued more intensely as he followed his son to the US Air force Academy, Colorado Springs, then onto the University of El Paso—where he never missed a game even though his health was failing. Phil traveled the world and despite his massive frame he truly was a gentle giant with an electric personality making friendships in a matter of seconds. He was known fondly as “Doc” and “Big Cat” with an exceptional sense of humor and wit—with a smile that charmed us all. In the last few years of his life in Chicago, Phil was surrounded by the abundance of love of family and friends. His brother Ken convened regularly scheduled breakfasts with Phil’s former college, semi pro and pro teammates, visits and frequent calls with Carol, Chris and Vicki all long time friends and his “angels” brought Phil great joy. The Jobst’s family were pivotal members of the family and were always there for him providing motivation and great kindness was a constant source of happiness. The bond between brother Jim grew during this time and the extended phone calls and visits were extra special times for sharing that only brothers can treasure. The last two months of his life were spent in Durham, NC with his sister Linda. During this brief time Phil was in great spirits, enjoying life to it’s fullest, dining out, attending events, watching sports and meeting new friends. The great weather and ambiance of Durham and an active life resulted in a noticeable improvement in his health and happiness—giving credence to a new hope. Barack Obama said in a speech before the Democratic National convention: “Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it and to work for it and to fight for it. In 2016, Phil was diagnosed with Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a degenerative brain disease that made everyday life difficult. Over the past three years he fought hard battling this disease and just recently upon moving to North Carolina had made some significant gains. However, on the morning of May 22nd, God had another plan and took a husband, dad, brother, uncle, grandpop and friend to a better place. There is no question Phil lived his life to the fullest. With a heart of a champion --he ran a hard race in this game of life and at the finish line—well--he just left us a little too soon. Family: Two brothers, James David Thomas (Lakewood, CO) (Nancy), Kenneth (Ken) Carruthers (Chicago). Two sisters, Rosemary (Thomas) King (Nathaniel) Gallatin, TN and Linda Thomas Wallace (Durham, NC).Two children, Candice Thomas (Arlington,VA) and Drew Thomas (Arcadia, South Carolina). One nephew, AJ (Nichole) Thomas (CastleRock, CO) and two nieces Michelle King (Hendersonville, TN) and Kendra Carruthers (Chicago, IL). Phil was the proud “pop pop” of two grandchildren, Londyn and Carter, one great nephew Jason King and great niece Lilly J. Thomas. Phil’s extended family includes Mom Carruthers, Mike and Tommy Carruthers, Tony Rainey, Charlie Morris, Howard Ferguson, Jobst family, Chris Kuhn Miller, Vicki Mucci, Carol Cavanaugh, Doug Allen, Joi Ruffin, Andy Kromm and many, many others. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4.7